Raja Club Athletic have filed a legal appeal against sanctions imposed after they clashed with AS FAR, seeking to reduce a behind-closed-doors ban ahead of the upcoming Casablanca derby.
The sanctions come after last week’s fixture between Raja and AS FAR at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which included vandalism and violence in and around the stands.
The league’s Central Disciplinary Committee of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation handed Raja with a three-match ban without supporters, and fined the club for stadium damage following incidents of vandalism and violence at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. AS FAR received a 5-match ban and similar financial penalties.
Raja has rejected the decision and initiated legal proceedings to appeal it. The club is pushing for a reduction or cancellation of the sanction.
Raja is looking to ensure that the upcoming fixtures are not played without their fans supporting them, especially since these clashes will most likely determine the club’s position in the Botola pro standings.
The timing is critical, as the Casablanca derby is scheduled for next weekend. Raja’s objective is to have supporters present in the stands for that fixture.
Local authorities, including Casablanca’s mayor, have expressed opposition to holding the derby without fans, citing its cultural and social importance. The case is now under review by the appeals committee, with a final decision expected in the coming days.
